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Becoming a Shared Lives carer

Could you, or someone you know, give a home or offer short breaks with full-time support to an adult who needs extra help with their life? Birmingham Shared Lives are looking for full-time carers who could welcome adults with disabilities, and vulnerable and older adults into their home, and have the patience and enthusiasm to give them the care they need in their own community. To find out more please email sharedlives@birmingham.gov.uk or call 0121 464 3164.

Could I be a Shared Lives carer?

If you are you interested in working at home to help people to have more independence, choice and control over their lives, we want to hear from you. Becoming a Shared Lives carer could be for you if you are:

patient

committed

willing to give someone the support and care they need and

willing to include that person in your everyday life.

How many people can I support?

You can support up to three people at any one time, but you cannot employ any staff.

What support would I be expected to provide?

As a Shared Lives carer you would be expected to offer both accommodation and support to someone and share your home with them. The support you provide may include:

personal care, like washing and dressing

emotional support

helping the person you are caring for manage their money

helping them take their medication

helping them with cooking and cleaning and

encouraging them to be independent.

How will I know we are right for each other?

Matching you to the right person or people is the key to a successful shared lives relationship. Everyone is different, so we will talk to you to find out the things that are important to you and the people living in your home. We will try and find people to suit you and your lifestyle.

We will arrange for you to spend some time together with the person before they move into your home.

What experience and qualifications do I need?

You must have experience of caring for adults. This could be through paid or voluntary work, or through caring for a relative. You may already be fostering a child with a disability. You do not need formal qualifications, but as part of the process to become a carer you will have to:

go through training courses

have a CRB check (a check by the Criminal Records Bureau) and

have your home checked for health and safety.

To be a Shared Lives carer you also need to be approved by any registered Shared Lives service in England.

What are the rewards?

As a Shared Lives carer you will:

be self-employed and will work from home

have a regular income while someone is staying with you

not be taxed for most of your income

have three weeks’ paid holiday a year

get continuous support and guidance from us and

have regular training, newsletters and support meetings with other Shared Lives carers.